Allison Macknick takes part of tender drama 'The Rabbit Hole' to run at Ripon College

2013 Nov 10

Allison Macknick a First Year Undeclared major will take part in Ripon College's upcoming drama 'The Rabbit Hole' as understudy for the females. Macknick is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Macknick and of Sheboygan.

Robert Amsden, professor of theatre, is directing the play about a family moving ahead with a tremendous burden of grief. The play's witty dialogue and compassionate treatment delivers great humor, profound loss and touching honesty.

Becca and Howie Corbett lost their son, Danny, eight months ago when he ran into the street while chasing the family dog. He was killed by a car driven by the then-16-year-old Jason.

The couple have been coping with their grief in different ways. Becca has not returned to work and pretty much stays around the house. She is cut off from her best friend, Debbie. Howie has continued with a support group for couples who have recently lost a child. The continued strain is threatening their marriage.

Visits with Jason allow Becca to finally come to some kind of terms with Danny's death.

A review in Variety stated: "David Lindsay-Abaire has crafted a drama that's not just a departure but a revelation--an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty."

The actors include Susie Shively '17 of Wauwatosa, Wis., as Becca; Joey Johns '14 of Ripon, Wis., as Howie; London Mosher '16 of Sun Prairie, Wis., as Izzy, Becca's sister; Amanda Finn '14 of Dousman, Wis., as Nat, Becca's mother; and Connor Cummiskey '16 of Hamburg, Minn., as Jason.

Brennan Kane '17 of Ramsey, Minn., is the understudy for the males; and Allison Macknick '17 of Sheboygan, Wis., is the understudy for the females.

The accompanying cellist will be Bruce King, '14 of Wauwatosa, Wis.; and the musical consultant is Dr. Kyle Szabo, assistant professor of music.

Members of the stage crew are Anders Goodwin '15 of Milwaukee, Wis., stage manager; Veronica DeLisle '17 of Shrewsbury, Mass., and Zach Matson '17 of Minnetonka, Minn., assistant stage managers; John Dalziel, assistant professor of theater, scenery and lighting designer; and Susan McDaniel Hill, visiting professor of theatre, costume designer and costumer.

Admission to the play is free, but reservations are recommended by calling 920-748-8791.